Vicky Cristina Barcelona Saturday, Jun 27 2009 

4 stars and drama and dvd , , , , Humaira 12:50 pm

Vicky and Cristina are two Americans who are spending their summer in Barcelona. Vicky is pursuing her Masters degree in Catalan Identity and Vicky is along for the ride. They stay with some distant relatives of Vicky’s. As they explore the city of Barcelona they come across a local artist, Juan Antonio who tells them he’s attracted to both of them and invites them to join him in one hour for a trip to his home town of Oviedo.

Vicky is unimpressed but Cristina’s game for adventure. After Vicky unsuccessfully persuades her not to go, they eventually end up on a plane, piloted by Juan Antonio. He’s a good host, taking them to see all the sights and just when things are developing between him and Cristina she gets ill with an ulcer and is in bed for the entire weekend.

This leaves Vicky and Juan Antonio to see the sights and an attraction develops leading to a one night stand. This leaves Vicky feeling guilty as she is engaged to be married to Doug and now she is confused about what she wants, as she knows Cristina is trying to persue a relationship with Juan Antonio.

Along the way, stories about Juan Antonio’s ex-wife Marie Elena surface and their volatile relationship which has clearly left a mark on the artist. Out of the blue, Marie Elena materialises and throws Cristina and Juan Antonio’s relationship in question.

Its a complex film and i think you need to watch it a few times to really get it, but it tries to be more clever than it is. For example, the narrator didn’t add anything to the story. I just found him intrusive. Also, the twisted storyline was good but I couldn’t sympathise with any of the characters and I think that’s a good thing.

People aren’t black and white, theirs always a shade of grey especially when it comes to relationships so I think this film is worth a look. Also Barcelona plays a fantastic role in the film and make you want to go see this beautiful city for yourself.

4 out of 5 stars.

Random fact: For his brief driving scene in this movie, Javier Bardem underwent hours of driving instruction and still didn’t have a driver’s license to show for his efforts when the movie wrapped.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona [DVD] [2008]

 

The Other Boleyn Girl Friday, Feb 27 2009 

4 stars and drama and dvd , , , , Humaira 10:43 am

Anne and Mary Boleyn are sent to court to entice the young King after the Queen falls out of favour, when she delivers another dead child.

The Boleyn’s Uncle, the Duke of Norfolk hatches a plan so that Anne can attract the King and become his mistress to allow the family to prosper. Unfortunately, during a riding incident the King is hurt and Anne is sent away to France.

But Mary, although married, captures the King’s attention and becomes the Royal Mistress. At first the King is infatuated and the Boleyn’s prosper, but when Mary becomes pregnant, she must begin her lying in to allow the baby to grow.

This leaves the Boleyn’s vulnerable and so Anne is called back for. Where once she was an impetuous youth, she is now a calculating lady who has her eyes on the King and the power that comes with it.

She refuses to bed him and will only agree once she is Queen. The King is infatuated and so begins a separation from Rome, dividing the country and changing the face of English religion forever.

I found this to be an enjoyable film despite all the main leads being non-British actors and sometimes their accents did slip. Natalie Portman who played Anne was the best at keeping hers and told the story well. Scarlett Johannson while beautiful is fantastic at emoting through her body language.

Eric Bana as the King Henry, was only in it for a bit but he owned the screen whenever he was given some screen time. Fantastic version of the book this is based on.

4 out of 5 stars.

Random fact: Natalie Portman (Anne) and Scarlett Johansson (Mary) say that their costumes were the biggest contribution to them knowing their character. Their dresses gave them good posture and the colors helped represent their personality. With Anne, her bold and simple colors show that she wants a main goal. Mary’s softer and much more complicated dress design shows that she is a more modest person and tries to be herself.

The Other Boleyn Girl [DVD] [2008]